M’s notes: Seattle pitching chasing club records

The Mariners have tied a club record with a streak of allowing one run or fewer in five consecutive games. The other time of five-plus games was in 2001 when they did it for six consecutive games from Sept. 7-19. Since 2000, this is only the sixth time any Major League team has recorded five consecutive games of one run or fewer allowed.

Allowing just two earned runs in the last five games also ties a team record. The last time that happened was Sept. 8-19 in 2001.

“It’s been a joy to watch,” Manager Don Wakamatsu said. “Obviously we built this team predicated on pitching and have a strong belief in what they can do.

“Kind of shows you the upper end of what they can do. The biggest compliment for Cliff and Felix (Hernandez) obviously has been (Doug) Fister and (Jason) Vargas. You look at this stretch right now, two of those games belong to Vargas. It’s impressive to watch.”

Vargas has used his three pitches — the two-seam fastball, changeup and cutter — to allow one earned run in 14 2/3 innings in those two starts. He’s whittled his ERA to 2.66. That, amazingly, is third-best among the starters. Lee is at 2.55 and Fister leads with a 2.45 ERA. Hernandez checks in at 3.39. If they keep it up, All-Star considerations could be interesting.

Lee can add one more record tonight: He has not allowed a walk in his last 28 innings. Jamie Moyer holds the club record for consecutive innings without a walk at 28 1/3. Lee has not allowed a walk in his last three starts.

Foul tips: Erik Bedard will pitch again on Saturday then likely next Thursday in Tacoma. … Doug Fister will be on a pitch count of 85 pitches on Saturday.